Computing/Information Technology/Web Development (Foundation Degree): 3-year, part-time, January start — Birkbeck, University of London Skip to main content Birkbeck Home Students Research Staff Alumni Birkbeck Home Search Menu Search keywords Search Home Find a course Study Study here Undergraduate study Postgraduate study MPhil/PhD research Short courses Entry requirements Financial support How to apply Come and meet us Evening study explained International Students Student Services Business Services Library Life at Birkbeck Student life at Birkbeck The Birkbeck Experience Boost your career About Birkbeck About us Find us Contact us Research Schools and Departments Events News ReciteMe accessibility Info Computing/Information Technology/Web Development (Foundation Degree): 3-year, part-time, January start Year of entry 2021 Start date January 2022 Location Central London Status Fully Approved APPLY NOW: Part-time Duration Three years part-time Attendance Two to three evenings a week Other entry years for this course 2022 Awarding Body University of London Disclaimer To ensure your safety, we will be providing a blend of high quality in-person and online teaching and learning opportunities in 2021-22. This means that some information about the way you study with us may be subject to change. Please view our Courses Disclaimer. This Foundation Degree in Computing/Information Technology/Web Development has a common first year for all three pathways covering programming, web development, database development, mathematics, information systems and teamwork skills. In subsequent years, the Computing pathway covers computer networking, programming and algorithms; the Information Technology pathway covers PHP web programming and e-business; and the Web Development pathway covers web development using current web standards and open source technologies. Programming and mark-up languages include: HTML, XML, CSS, Python, Java, JavaScript, jQuery, PHP. You will benefit from Birkbeck's unique, flexible study. Students are drawn from the most culturally diverse city in the UK and have a wide range of cultural, social and economic backgrounds. Highlights The Department of Computer Science and Information Systems at Birkbeck is one of the longest-established computing departments in the UK; we celebrate our 65th anniversary in 2022. We provide a stimulating teaching and research environment for both part-time and full-time students. In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), more than 75% of our research outputs in Computer Science were ranked world-leading or internationally excellent. Our lecturers are leading researchers in their fields, drawn from both the academic and professional world. The Department has its own dedicated network with the College. We also have four state-of-the-art computing laboratories, with over 100 workstations. They are equipped with a wide range of cutting-edge production software and tools. Come and meet us Request a prospectus Contact the department Course structure You choose a pathway from Computing, Information Technology or Web Development. In Year 1, you take four compulsory modules. In Year 2, you take six compulsory modules. In Year 3, you take an additional two compulsory modules and two option modules, and complete a work-related project. Read more about modules Module groups Compulsory modules Fundamentals of Information Technology Introduction to Database Technology Introduction to Programming Introduction to Web Authoring Mathematics for Computing Problem-Solving for Programming Software and Programming I Systems Analysis and Design I Systems Analysis and Design II Working in Teams Computing pathway Computer Networking Data Structures and Algorithms Information Technology pathway E-business Web Programming using PHP Web Development pathway Advanced Web Authoring JavaScript Project Work-related Project Option modules Advanced Web Authoring E-business JavaScript Mobile Web Application Development Web Data with XML, JSON and AJAX Web Programming using PHP Birkbeck makes all reasonable efforts to deliver educational services, modules and programmes of study as described on our website. In the event that there are material changes to our offering (for example, due to matters beyond our control), we will update applicant and student facing information as quickly as possible and offer alternatives to applicants, offer-holders and current students. Entry Requirements Entry requirements We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. Applicants may be required to pass tests in mathematics and English. English Language Requirements If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements, please contact us or see our international study skills page for more details of how we can help. Visit the International section of our website to find out more about our English language entry requirements and relevant requirements by country. Visa requirements If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. The visa you apply for varies according to the length of your course: Courses of more than six months' duration: Student visa Courses of less than six months' duration: Standard Visitor visa International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. If you are living in the UK on a Student visa, you will not be eligible to enrol as a student on Birkbeck's part-time courses (with the exception of some modules). For full information, read our visa information for international students page. Please also visit the international section of our website to find out more about relevant requirements by country. Credits and Accredited Prior Learning (APL) If you have studied at university previously, you may have accumulated credits through the modules you studied. It may be possible to transfer these credits from your previous study to Birkbeck or another institution. You should discuss this with the Programme Director when you are making your application. Find out more about credits and Accredited Prior Learning (APL). Fees Fees Part-time home students, Year 1: £3830 pa Part-time international students, Year 1: £7140 pa Part-time home students, Year 2+: £5745 pa Part-time international students, Year 2+: £10710 pa Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases. For more information, please see the College Fees Policy. Teaching and assessment Teaching At Birkbeck, almost all of our courses are taught in the evening and our teaching is designed to support students who are juggling evening study with work and other daytime commitments. We actively encourage innovative and engaging ways of teaching, to ensure our students have the best learning experience. In the 2017 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the government’s system for rating university teaching, Birkbeck was allocated a Silver award. Teaching may include formal lectures, seminars, and practical classes and tutorials. Formal lectures are used in most degree programmes to give an overview of a particular field of study. They aim to provide the stimulus and the starting point for deeper exploration of the subject during your own personal reading. Seminars give you the chance to explore a specific aspect of your subject in depth and to discuss and exchange ideas with fellow students. They typically require preparatory study. Our distance-learning and blended-learning courses and modules are self-directed and we will provide you with interactive learning opportunities and encourage you to collaborate and engage via various learning technologies. These courses involve limited or no face-to-face contact between students and module tutors. In addition, you will have access to pastoral support via a named Personal Tutor. Methods of teaching on this course Teaching methods include lab-based practical instruction, experiential learning in a work-related setting, class-based lectures/instruction and class-based seminars. This programme can be completed in eight academic terms, spread over three academic years. The shorter Year 1 begins in January, while Years 2 and 3 begin in October. Teaching hours For 2021-22, our courses will provide a blend of in-person and online teaching. Discover more information about the scheduled teaching for your course in this academic year. Our evening hours are normally between 6pm and 9pm (6-7.30pm and 7.30-9pm). Some programmes also offer teaching during the day and this will be clearly signposted to you where it is available. On our taught courses, you will have scheduled teaching and study sessions each year. Scheduled teaching sessions may include lectures, seminars, workshops or laboratory work. Depending on the modules you take, you may also have additional scheduled academic activities, such as tutorials, dissertation supervision, practical classes, visits and field trips. On our taught courses, the actual amount of time you spend in the classroom and in contact with your lecturers will depend on your course, the option modules you select and when you undertake your final-year project (if applicable). Alongside your contact hours, you will also undertake assessment activities and independent learning outside of class. The amount of time you need to allocate to study both for taught sessions (this might include online sessions and/or in-person sessions) and personal study will depend on how much you are studying during the year and whether you are studying full time or part time. Birkbeck’s courses are made up of modules and allocated ‘credit’. One credit is equivalent to ten hours of learning time. Modules are usually in 15, 30 or 60 credit units. A 15-credit module will mean around 150 hours of learning, including taught sessions and independent study or group work. This is spread out over the whole period of that module and includes the time you spend on any assessments, including in examinations, preparing and writing assessments or engaged in practical work as well as any study support sessions to help you in your learning. On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, discussion, collaboration and interaction with your lecturers and fellow students is encouraged and enabled through various learning technologies. Timetables Timetables are usually available from September onwards and you can access your personalised timetable via your My Birkbeck Profile online (if you have been invited to enrol). Indicative class size Class sizes vary, depending on your course, the module you are undertaking, and the method of teaching. For example, lectures are presented to larger groups, whereas seminars usually consist of small, interactive groups led by a tutor. Independent learning On our taught courses, much of your time outside of class will be spent on self-directed, independent learning, including preparing for classes and following up afterwards. This will usually include, but is not limited to, reading books and journal articles, undertaking research, working on coursework and assignments, and preparing for presentations and assessments. Independent learning is absolutely vital to your success as a student. Everyone is different, and the study time required varies topic by topic, but, as a guide, expect to schedule up to five hours of self-study for each hour of teaching. On our distance-learning and blended-learning courses, the emphasis is very much on independent, self-directed learning and you will be expected to manage your own learning, with the support of your module tutors and various learning technologies. Study skills and additional support Birkbeck offers study and learning support to undergraduate and postgraduate students to help them succeed. Our Learning Development Service can help you in the following areas: academic skills (including planning your workload, research, writing, exam preparation and writing a dissertation) written English (including structure, punctuation and grammar) numerical skills (basic mathematics and statistics). Our Disability and Dyslexia Service can support you if you have additional learning needs resulting from a disability or from dyslexia. Our Counselling Service can support you if you are struggling with emotional or psychological difficulties during your studies. Our Mental Health Advisory Service can support you if you are experiencing short- or long-term mental health difficulties during your studies. Assessment Assessment is an integral part of your university studies and usually consists of a combination of coursework and examinations, although this will vary from course to course - on some of our courses, assessment is entirely by coursework. The methods of assessment on this course are specified below under 'Methods of assessment on this course'. You will need to allow time to complete coursework and prepare for exams. Where a course has unseen written examinations, these may be held termly, but, on the majority of our courses, exams are usually taken in the Summer term, during May to June. Exams may be held at other times of the year as well. In most cases, exams are held during the day on a weekday - if you have daytime commitments, you will need to make arrangements for daytime attendance - but some exams are held in the evening. Exam timetables are published online. Find out more about assessment at Birkbeck, including guidance on assessment, feedback and our assessment offences policy. Methods of assessment on this course Written and/or oral examination; written coursework; presentation-based coursework; group-based coursework; in-class quiz/test; and the creation of a portfolio. Breakdown of assessment on this course The balance of assessment by examination and assessment by coursework will often depend on the option modules you choose. The approximate percentages for this course are as follows: Year % Exams % Practical % Coursework 1 50 0 50 1 50 0 50 2 50 0 50 2 50 0 50 3 50 0 50 3 50 0 50 Careers and employability Careers and employability Graduates go on to careers in computer programming and web database development and management, IT support services and systems analysis and design. We offer a comprehensive Careers Service to help you advance your career, while our in-house, professional recruitment consultancy, Birkbeck Talent, works with London’s top employers to help you gain work experience that fits in with your evening studies. How to apply How to apply You apply directly to Birkbeck for this course, using the online application link. Please note that online application will open in September. You will need to prove your identity when you apply - read more about suitable forms of identification. When to apply You are strongly advised to apply now, to ensure there are still places on your chosen course and to give you enough time to complete the admissions process, to arrange funding and to enrol. You don't need to complete your current programme of study before you apply - Birkbeck can offer you a place that is conditional on your results. You will also receive information about subject-specific induction sessions over the summer. Course specific deadlines and information January start: applications May to December. Selection evenings May to December. Help and advice with your application Get all the information you need about the application, admission and enrolment process at Birkbeck. Our online personal statement tool will guide you through every step of writing the personal statement part of your application. APPLY NOW: Part-time Visit the Department of Computer Science and Information Systems Related courses Computing/Information Technology/Web Development (Foundation Degree): 2-year, full-time Computing/Information Technology/Web Development (Foundation Degree): 3-year, part-time, October start Life at Birkbeck Birkbeck offers a unique combination of evening study and a matchless central London location, right in the geographic and academic centre of the city, giving you exceptional opportunities. Boost your career Discover how Birkbeck's unique evening teaching, coupled with our comprehensive careers and employability services, can help you get ahead in a highly competitive job market. The Birkbeck experience Birkbeck is different: our classes are held in the evening, so your days are free - to study, work, volunteer or just do your own thing. Financial support Birkbeck is committed to doing everything we can to help you finance your studies. Find out about what is available, how to apply and the advice and support we provide. How to apply Once you've found the course that's right for you, here's what to do next to get your place at Birkbeck. We can give you the advice and support you need. Student services Discover more about our comprehensive range of student services, which offer all the support and assistance you need. Chat to us Do you have questions about studying at Birkbeck? Chat with our student ambassadors via Unibuddy, a third-party provider - by signing up you share your data directly with them on their terms. Visit us There are lots of ways to come and visit us and meet our staff and former students, including Open Evenings, Open Days and guided campus tours. Discover more here. Accommodation and living costs Most of our students live in private accommodation, but we also offer student accommodation and access to the professional services of the University of London Housing Services. Evening learning Our students work in the day and study at night to get a head start on other graduates in a highly competitive job market. Find out more Enter keywords Search courses Come and meet us Request a Prospectus Quicklinks Study here Find a course Find us Support us Come and meet us Call us: +44 (0)20 7631 6000 Staff profiles Press office Library IT Services Jobs Professional services Room hire Access and engagement Students Research Staff Alumni Business services About us BBK magazine Courses disclaimer Equality and diversity Modern slavery statement Governance History Mission Obituaries Term dates Social media @BirkbeckUoL on Twitter Birkbeck podcasts on Soundcloud Birkbeck videos on YouTube BirkbeckUni on Instagram Birkbeck on Facebook Birkbeck on LinkedIn Additional information Our use of cookies Privacy Terms and conditions Site A-Z Accessibility statement
